Get out your spikes, gel up those hawks and fasten your safety pins because Riot Fest is coming to Douglass Park! With musical performances by The Smashing Pumpkins, Run the Jewels and Nine Inch Nails, it's gonna be amped as ever. Get into the mood with this Riot Fest inspired booklist for teens.
Days on Fes – This slice of life manga is the perfect light read to get psyched for a music festival! Its exuberant, full-page illustrations of friendship, food and fashion left me feeling like I had just attended a weekend music fest along with the characters.
Moxie –What do you do when your classmates are sexist and the school does nothing to help? Inspired by the punk rock Riot Grrrl movement of the 90s, 16 year old Vivian Carter starts a feminist zine called Moxie to force a reckoning. As solidarity grows, one thing becomes clear: Moxie girls fight back.
Music From Another World – Did you ever have a pen pal? Back in 1977, that was a lot cheaper than calling when you live 400+ miles away! Bonding through a shared love of punk music, high school pen pals Sharon and Tammy share truths they could never discuss at home. A beautiful story with LGBT themes about friendship and living authentically.
Can't Stop Won't Stop - Rounding off the list with some non-fiction, Jeff Chang and Davey D’s history of hip-hop provides a fantastic look at the context behind some of hip-hop’s most pivotal moments. Spanning from the Bronx in 1969 to present day artists like Cardi B, you’re sure to discover some new favorite songs!
What are your favorite punk/rock/hip-hop songs? Write them in the comments below!
Add a comment to: Teen Reads for Riot Fest